Introduction

Prof. John Mugabe (and team, including Dr. Anthon Botha and Dr. Petrus Letaba) from the University of Pretoria were commissioned to conduct a study and write a paper on "Foresight in Research and Innovation in Africa". The team was also required to produce a policy brief highlighting key recommendations and suggested actions for Africa's science granting councils and other actors for follow up and implementation.

Background

Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are involved in the formulation of national science, technology and innovation (STI) policies, including setting research and innovation (R&I) priorities. In 2022, at least 27 of the 46 SSA countries were investing in various STI policy processes. For example, in Southern Africa, Botswana was reviewing its 2011 STI policy and Mozambique was revising its 2003 S&T policy and 2006 STI strategy. South Africa adopted a 10-year (decadal) plan for implementing its 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation. Namibia was engaged in formulating the National Action Plan (NAP) and the National Programme for Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI) to implement its 2020 National Policy for Science, Technology and Innovation. In Eastern Africa, Rwanda was finalizing the review of its 2006 STI policy and Uganda was considering a draft new STI policy for adoption to replace the 2009 STI policy. In West Africa, Senegal has a draft STI policy and is currently developing a comprehensive strategic plan for policy implementation. In Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adopted a new national STI policy in October 2022. In order to support and inform the various STI policy initiatives in SSA, the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) comprising of 17 countries in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa, commissioned Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd (EUP) to conduct a study on foresight in STI in the region. The study focused on the countries’ experiences in, and capacity needs for STI foresight. Its overall goal was to identify specific measures that the SGCI and the individual SGCs should take to institutionalize STI foresight (STIF). The study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023. A review of both academic and non-academic literature was conducted in order to conceptualize what constitutes foresight and STI foresight and identify illustrative cases of international practices of different countries’ efforts at institutionalizing STI foresight and foresight in general. A bibliometric analysis was undertaken to provide some indication of SSA’s research or academic publications on STI foresight. A survey of SGCI member countries’ experiences and capacity needs in STI foresight (STIF) was undertaken through a questionnaire. Tentative findings and recommendations of the study were presented at a Masterclass on 5 December 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. Discussions at the Masterclass generated additional empirical information and recommendations. This policy brief is based on the final report of the study that will be published by the SGCI.

Conclusions

In order to improve STI policymaking and implementation in SGCI member countries and their SGCs’ engagement in R&D priority setting, there is a need to institutionalize and build capacity for STI foresight. The study shows that foresight helps to improve the quality and effectiveness of STI policy, directing scarce resources to priority R&D activities while anticipating future technological advances, and strengthening systems of innovation.

The SGCI and governments of the member countries of the SGCI should dedicate resources to implement recommendations of the study. The implementation of the study’s recommendations should be seen or treated as part of strengthening capacities of SGCs to procure and use evidence in STI policy processes.

Background on the Authors

• John Ouma-Mugabe (Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria)
• Anthon Botha (TechnoScene Pty Ltd, Pretoria)
• Petrus Letaba (Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria)